Crowd creates uproar at CBIR

Upset about the lack of fireworks and a live band at Saturday's races, a crowd of about 300 people at Colonel's Brainerd International Raceway gathered around a large construction pile that was set on fire Saturday.

No injuries or arrests were reported.

Crow Wing County Deputy Sheriff Dan Gottsch said 12 deputies responded to the raceway Saturday after the fire was reportedly set by someone in the crowd. A CBIR fire truck was sent to the scene, said Gottsch, but deputies encouraged CBIR staff to let the rubble burn in an attempt to calm people down. The construction pile was the result of remodeling occurring at the raceway.

CBIR Manager Scott Quick said a D.J. provided music for campers Saturday and fireworks were canceled this year at the Colonel's Truck Accessories Show and Go because management had concerns over the fireworks setting small field fires last year.

"It's much ado about nothing," Quick said of Saturday's fire. He said when compared to the number of people who typically attend CBIR events, the number of angry campers Saturday was small.

"It caught us off guard," said Gottsch. "But when people get mad, they feel like they want to burn something. It wasn't violent. It caused rioting but it was more vocal disappointment from campers."

Gottsch said Sheriff Dick Ross will meet with CBIR staff to discuss upcoming races to make sure a similar incident doesn't occur.